UK Peak District Tourism
Written by Brandy Bylsma
The Peak District in Derbyshire is another truly beautiful part of the UK that my family has driven through, explored, and even camped many times. The area is known for its dramatically changing landscapes, charming villages and towns, and as a sweet bonus, it’s the birthplace of the legendary British Bakewell Tart (jam and almond together… absolutely divine!).
While writing this article, I also discovered that the Peak District was the UK’s very first National Park, designated in 1951, and now attracts around 10 million visitors each year. Once you see what’s on offer, that number makes perfect sense.
A Delicious Treat: Bakewell and Its Famous Tarts
As our young family takes snacks very seriously, it feels only right to start with Bakewell tarts. A true British classic, they usually come in two well-loved versions: the traditional Bakewell tart, made with short crust pastry, a layer of raspberry jam, topped with moist frangipane and finished with flaked almonds; or the ever popular iced Cherry Bakewell, featuring tart cherry jam and frangipane, crowned with a thick layer of very sweet white icing (Hello sugar rush!) and a bright glacé cherry on top.
You will find Bakewell tarts in grocery stores and cafés all over the country, but the best place to try them is at The Bakewell Tart Shop in the town of Bakewell itself, right in the heart of the Peak District. Sadly, nut sensitivities in our family meant no tarts for some of us (though they happily chose other treats), so I picked up mine and we enjoyed our baked goods in a nearby memorial garden that was bursting with flowers. Afterwards, we took a gentle stroll around the picturesque market town before heading off for more exploring.
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of England”
Another area we really enjoyed was the lively spa town of Matlock and nearby Matlock Bath, a true tourist hub with plenty to see and do. It’s nickname “Switzerland of England” earned this title thanks to its steep, wooded hillsides, which reminded Victorian‑era visitors of Alpine landscapes.
These towns are packed with attractions, including the Heights of Abraham cable car, the Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath Aquarium, and the wonderfully old‑school (in my opinion) Gulliver’s Kingdom amusement park. Add in unique shops, cozy cafés, and classic fish‑and‑chip spots and this becomes a genuinely fun place to spend time. It’s also a popular pit stop for motorcycle enthusiasts, especially on sunny weekends.
Our personal favourite, though, was Hall Leys Park. This large central park offers lovely riverside walks and, to our kids’ absolute delight, a miniature train, a playground, and small motorboat rentals. The reasonably priced 15‑minute boat hire was a huge hit, with my husband happily taking the kids round (and round) the small boating lake. It’s the kind of park that feels made for families: space to run around, slow-paced kid attractions, and the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Afternoon Drive: A Front-Row Seat to Changing Landscapes
If you enjoy a scenic drive or love watching landscapes shift dramatically in a short distance, I highly recommend a leisurely loop of roughly 60 miles through the area. One route we took included the winding Snake Pass (A57), the dramatic limestone gorges of Winnats Pass, and the open moorlands of the Cat and Fiddle Road (A537).
Along the way, the scenery transforms often, from narrow, snaking roads with hairpin bends, to towering green, velvet‑covered limestone cliffs and gorges, then to bare, jagged rocks that look like they belong in a studio set of an original Star Trek episode. There are even gritstone boulder formations that, to my eye, resemble clusters of giant stone mushrooms, known as the Bleaklow Stones. We made a full day of it, stopping often to explore villages, natural landmarks, and the impressive Derwent Dam.
Still So Much More to See...
Even after visiting the Peak District a handful of times, it still feels like there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. I would happily return for another family weekend, especially since we still have not visited the famous Chatsworth Estate (its Christmas Market is high on my list) or experienced the Matlock Bath Illuminations, an autumn evening boat parade along the River Derwent, glowing with illuminated displays. After researching more events in the area, we could take our pick from activities that suit a wide range of interests and tastes throughout the year.
Add in the endless walks, hikes, bike trails, caves and villages we have yet to explore, and suddenly it feels like more travel planning is very much in order.
